Help Pottstown Cluster fight hunger in the area

The Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities has carried out its work in this community for over 40 years. Food, clothing and monetary donations have come from churches, individuals, businesses, groups, food banks, grants, foundations and the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania.

On Oct. 12, a fundraising dinner to benefit the Pottstown Cluster will be held at the Berean Bible Church, High Street, Sanatoga. In support of this event and to raise awareness of the work the cluster provides to area families, the event committee invited the Pottstown School District and its youngest children to participate in the creation of a Giving Tree as part of the decorations for the evening.

We asked the children to create the tree canopy. Each student will cut out and sign their first name and age on an autumn maple leaf indicating their desire to help end hunger in our community. Each leaf will be individually added to the tree by volunteers prior to the event. Art Fusion 19464 (formerly The Gallery on High) is creating the 12-foot high tree to be mounted on the wall inside the Berean facility using cardboard boxes donated by the bicycle shop next to them. The tree will have three representative parts: roots (our community), trunk (the Cluster) and branches (the religious communities, donors, volunteers and staff). Each child will complete a leaf regardless of what donation their family might give. Ideally this tree will represent every child in the Pottstown School District. But it is important for them to remember, food banks and food-related charities need money, food and manpower to operate. In Pennsylvania, 13.8 percent of children live in poverty. And, as you may be aware, more than 60 percent of students in Pottstown qualify for free or reduced-cost lunches. Many of these students also are considered chronically hungry. District teachers embracing this project will talk with the children about food insecurity and hunger in general terms and inform families of the needs of our local food distribution center:

 Protein rich foods  such as canned meats (tuna, chicken or fish), peanut butter, beans, peas and lentils, as these are the most expensive to buy in large quantities. The biggest need in this category is shelved milk. protein or powder or dehydrated milk, canned evaporated milk and instant breakfasts, baby food and infant formula.

 Soups, stews and prepared meals  these items provide all the necessities - liquid for hydrating the body, proteins, grains and vegetables.

 Rice, grains and pasta  necessary staples to any meal as they are a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates.

 Cereal  in the form of breakfast cereals, oatmeal and granola bars are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

 Canned vegetables and fruits  a good source of carbohydrates, natural sugars and valuable vitamins.

 Paper products

 Cleaning supplies

 Volunteer opportunities at the Cluster Outreach Center and at community meal sites. Special group projects include receiving and sorting large food donations, the holiday toy and food program and special Clothes Closet programs.

Thank you for helping to facilitate this project. And, thank you in advance for your time, energy, support and, most of all, for your care for others less fortunate.